‘Gladiator 2’ Star Emerges as New Favorite for the Next James Bond

'Gladiator 2' Star Emerges as New Favorite for the Next James Bond

As a seasoned movie critic with decades of film viewing under my belt, I must admit that the latest buzz surrounding the potential new James Bond has me quite intrigued. The name on everyone’s lips right now is none other than Paul Mescal, fresh off the heels of his captivating performance in Gladiator II and his heart-wrenching turn in Normal People.


A fresh contender for the role of James Bond has arisen, promising an enjoyable experience, even as Aaron Taylor-Johnson, a strong favorite for the part, remains in high demand. However, the star of “Gladiator II,” another potential 007, is gradually closing the gap on him, according to betting odds. The 28-year-old, who earned an Academy Award nomination and led his first blockbuster – none other than “Gladiator 2” itself – has catapulted himself onto the A-list of Hollywood. With producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson still on the hunt for the next agent to be entrusted with the license to kill, this contender’s odds have significantly dropped.

According to The Express, citing Ladbrokes, acclaimed Irish actor Paul Mescal has significantly shortened his odds from 10-1 to 3-1, bringing him much closer to wearing the iconic tuxedo. Nicola McGeady of Ladbrokes commented on this change, stating that “Mescal fever” is spreading across the country as Gladiator II hits theaters, making Mescal a strong contender alongside Aaron Taylor-Johnson for the title of the next James Bond.

Following the emotional impact of his performance in “Normal People”, Paul Mescal has been noticed in various roles, including “All of Us Strangers”, “Foe”, and “Carmen”. He even received an Oscar nomination for Best Actor for his touching portrayal in the 2022 coming-of-age drama “Aftersun”.

Paul Mescal Can Handle Drama & Action, but Is He Interested in Being Bond?

'Gladiator 2' Star Emerges as New Favorite for the Next James Bond'Gladiator 2' Star Emerges as New Favorite for the Next James Bond'Gladiator 2' Star Emerges as New Favorite for the Next James Bond'Gladiator 2' Star Emerges as New Favorite for the Next James Bond'Gladiator 2' Star Emerges as New Favorite for the Next James Bond

Paul Mescal appears to fit perfectly with the specifications recently set by Broccoli and Wilson. This Gladiator actor, approaching his 30s, doesn’t have any significant franchise obligations that would prevent him from dedicating a decade to the James Bond series. With the potential exception of Gladiator, if production on the third film begins.

The actor consistently demonstrates a knack for dramatic performances, and his recent portrayal as the vengeful Lucius Verus in Ridley Scott’s sequel underscores his ability to handle action scenes. However, although Mescal would likely add a unique touch to the role of 007, he is predominantly popular in independent films, which leaves us questioning whether he might be interested in assuming the role of James Bond.

After Mescal’s name has been tossed around as a possible successor to James Bond, following the latest news about the casting decision, fans have been vocal on social media about their preferred choice: Henry Cavill, famously known for his roles in “Man of Steel” and “The Witcher”. Many are eager to see Cavill steer the franchise. Research supports this, as a study by Betway Casino found that, out of 31 actors being considered or discussed for the role, Cavill came out on top based on factors such as “Google searches, article engagement, and Reddit mentions”.

Indeed, numerous well-known actors are rumored to be in the running for the role, such as Tom Hardy from “Venom”, Theo James of “The Gentlemen”, Aaron Taylor-Johnson known for his roles in “Bullet Train” and “Kick-Ass”, Idris Elba who played both “The Suicide Squad” and “Luther”, Callum Turner starring in “Masters of the Air”, and James Norton from “Happy Valley”. Given these speculations, let’s ponder if Paul Mescal would make a good fit as James Bond.

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2024-11-19 20:03